How to identify a first printing
- 1890-c.1970: Founded 1890 in Baltimore as a major medical and scientific text and journal publisher (scientific journal publishing began 1909). Texts are identified by the numbered EDITION on the title page; the first printing of an edition is indicated by the absence of a later-printing or impression notice. Journals are identified by volume and year.
- c.1970-1998: A number line is increasingly used (lowest digit = printing) alongside the edition statement on revised clinical texts.
- 1998-present: Wolters Kluwer acquired Waverly (parent of Williams & Wilkins) and merged it into Lippincott-Raven to form Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (LWW), now under Wolters Kluwer Health. Modern medical titles are identified by EDITION number, with printing shown by a number line (lowest digit = printing).
Notable points & cautions
- A distinct Baltimore medical house that was merged into the Lippincott line in 1998 to form LWW.
- Publisher of major journals and clinical references collected and used by edition.
- Often conflated with Lippincott after 1998 — the standalone 'Williams & Wilkins' imprint dates the pre-1998 era.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Williams & Wilkins, Waverly Press, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (LWW), Wolters Kluwer Health. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Williams & Wilkins / Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (LWW) book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1890-c.1970: Founded 1890 in Baltimore as a major medical and scientific text and journal publisher (scientific journal publishing began 1909). Texts are identified by the numbered EDITION on the title page; the first printing of an edition is indicated by the absence of a later-printing or impression notice. Journals are identified by volume and year. c.1970-1998: A number line is increasingly used (lowest digit = printing) alongside the edition statement on revised clinical texts.
Does Williams & Wilkins / Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (LWW) use a number line?
c.1970-1998: A number line is increasingly used (lowest digit = printing) alongside the edition statement on revised clinical texts.
Is a book-club edition a Williams & Wilkins / Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (LWW) first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. A distinct Baltimore medical house that was merged into the Lippincott line in 1998 to form LWW.
What era does this cover?
This covers Williams & Wilkins / Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (LWW) (1890-present (as LWW imprint under Wolters Kluwer)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.